The 19-year old Hawaiian took control in the final early when she opened with a strong scoring 7.33 ride which was the finals top scoring and decisive winning ride. Final scores for their top two scoring rides saw Coco Ho on 11.83 to Courtney Conlogue on 10.00.

“Fantastic to win here and the waves have been awesome for the girls– a six star event is really important to all of us and it feels like we’ve been treated to the best conditions all week” said Ho after her win.

“I focused on trying to select a good wave early – the waves shift about out there and you need to be selective – the strategy worked as my first wave was easily my best and I think that won the final for me.”

“It’s a good start the year for me – 5th on the Gold Coast was OK and winning here is a bonus – I’ll go back to Hawaii now and really freshen up before I return for Bells – I’ll go home feeling good after today’s win!”

Ho surfed great all day and took out current world number two ranked surfer Sally Fitzgibbons in the semi finals earlier today. Conlogue (18 years/California/Santa Ana) was also in spectacular form today – her quarter final heat win over Australian young gun Tyler Wright included an almost perfect 9.97 ride, the events highest scoring ride to date.

“I’ve had a great day, could have been better in the final but I didn’t quite get the waves needed to win but overall I’m feeling great – It’s been an enjoyable event and the waves have been good to us!”